Staff writer
Many of the faces on the Peabody-Burns volleyball team will be new to the varsity squad in 2010 but the outlook for strong team competition is high. Only two of the six on the court are veterans but that doesn’t diminish the hope for a bright season.
“Embry Hodges and Michaela Methvin will have to be strong leaders as we will rely on them heavily to control our net play and contribute to our defensive strategies,” said ninth-year Head Coach Darren Schroeder. “Embry is a strong hitter and her responsibility will be to shore up the defense at the net. Michaela is our strongest hitter and will have to carry the load with much of the offense going her way. Both are seniors and they possess valued leadership skills. The expectation is high for both of them to lead our team in a positive direction.”
The 5-foot-7-inch Hodges will have to negate the net play of some of the best hitters in the league. Her blocking skills will be tested throughout the season.
Methvin at 5’11” is also expected to get in the way at the net.
Two juniors join the varsity squad this season. Sarah Hofkamp will take on the job of setter. Hofkamp at 5’9,” will direct the offensive scheme for the 2010 season. She will have to be the vocal leader. This is her first year at the setting position. She will have to make quick progress to run the system.
Tori Schroeder, also a junior, is 5’8” and is a player with good athleticism. She will have outside hitting responsibilities. She is a good passer and moves well on the court.
Three PBHS sophomores will join the varsity squad this season. Paige Lewis is 5’5”, a strong athlete, and will have to contribute to the offense as well as the defense. She has good passing skills and moves well within the system.
Rayna Barnes, at 5’9”, will be expected to develop into a strong hitting and blocking threat.
Brandee Burnett, the last of the sophomore trio, will hopefully work into the system as a defensive specialist.
PBHS finished 10-21 overall last season with a 2-9 record in the league. Gretchen Berns assists Coach Schroeder for the fourth year.
With the move to the new Wheat State League, the team will face many new opponents this season.
“The chemistry on our team is great and I think each player will develop and understand their roles as the season progresses,” Schroeder said. “We have very little idea about what our competition will be with the new league, but we are looking forward to being more competitive and improving every week.”
The team opened with a tournament at home, winning three matches and losing two.